Origin
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is a species of grass that is native to Africa and various island nations in the Indian Ocean. It has also been introduced to parts of Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
Common Names
Common names for Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. include African finger grass, goose grass, yard-grass, and sprawling finger grass.
Uses
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is used for various purposes. In some countries, it is used as a food source for humans and livestock due to its nutritional content. In traditional medicine, it has been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, infections, and wounds. Additionally, it has been used for erosion control and as a cover crop to improve soil quality.
General Appearance
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is a densely tufted perennial grass with culms that can grow up to 70 cm tall. Its leaves are flat and narrow, measuring up to 30 cm long by 5 mm wide. The inflorescence consists of finger-like spikes that can be up to 25 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The spikes contain numerous tiny flowers that are green or purplish in color, depending on the subspecies. Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. typically grows in open areas such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed sites.
Light Requirements
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich., also known as African goosegrass or yard-grass, thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is best grown in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient exposure to sunlight can affect the overall growth of the plant and result in thin and weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate high temperatures but prefers moderate temperatures between 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). The plant can survive in regions prone to occasional frost, but cannot withstand extreme temperatures below -4°F (-20°C).
Soil Requirements
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can adapt to a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay, but grows best in well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The soil should be kept moist, and excessive waterlogging should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and stunt the growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. requires full sunlight to grow efficiently. Thus, it is essential to plant the seeds in an area with direct sun exposure. The most suitable soil type for this plant is sandy loam and well-drained soil. Plant the seeds at a shallow depth of 1-2 cm and water well. The seedlings emerge in 5-7 days. Thin the plants when they grow to 6-7 cm height, and provide adequate spacing between them for proper growth.
Watering Needs
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. requires regular watering, especially in the hot season. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging, as this may lead to fungal diseases. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid waterlogging the area around the plant. It is also crucial to reduce watering in the winter season.
Fertilization
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. requires nitrogen-rich fertilizers for proper growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, during the planting season. For addition, add nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and enhance the production of new leaves.
Pruning
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. requires minimal pruning as it is a low-maintenance plant. However, trimming back the edges using garden shears is essential to maintain a neat appearance. Additionally, removing dead and yellow leaves from the plant will promote new growth and reduce the risk of fungal disease.
Propagation of Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich.
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich., commonly known as African finger grass, is a hardy plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is through seeds. The plant produces small seeds that can be harvested and stored for future use. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix in the spring or early summer. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about one to two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual containers or planted directly into the ground.
Division Propagation
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. can also be propagated by division. This is done by carefully dividing the plant's root system into smaller sections and replanting them in new locations. This method should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. The new sections should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they establish themselves.
Cutting Propagation
Another way to propagate Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is through stem cuttings. This method is best done in the late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Take cuttings that are about four to six inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect light until it has rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich
Eleusine caespitosa A.Rich. is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, but like all plants, it is susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggestions for management.
Diseases
Leaf rust: This fungal disease affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellow spots that turn into reddish-brown pustules. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves, and use a fungicide spray with copper or sulfur.
Stem rust: This fungal disease affects the stems of the plant, causing elongated orange-brown pustules. Remove any infected stems and use a fungicide spray with copper or sulfur.
Dollar spot: This fungal disease creates small brown spots on the leaves, which might merge into larger spots. Use fungicides and remove and dispose of infected plant debris to manage this disease.
Pests
Armyworms: These are the larvae of a moth that feeds on the leaves and inflorescences of the plant. Use insecticides and biological controls like parasitic wasps or nematodes to manage this pest.
White grubs: These are beetle larvae that feed on the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth. Use insecticides and apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to manage this pest.
Cutworms: These larvae cut the stems of the plant at the soil level. Use insecticides and barriers like collars around the base of the plant to manage this pest.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation is critical to manage them effectively. Remember to follow the label instructions when using any chemical controls and focus on prevention as the best strategy for managing pests and diseases.
